Wenger has every reason to be confident about retaining his domestic honours. Such is the lack of quality in the English game at present that Arsenal only have two realistic albeit unconvincing challengers – Liverpool and Man United. Both have problems of their own.  Despite what United fans might feel about a possible revival, their side no longer has that aura of invincibility built over their years of dominance.  There are far too many holes to be filled nowadays. On their day and with their best possible side out, United can match that Gunners.  But over the length of a season, they simply can’t. Most teams facing the Red Devils now fancy their chances.

The blame here lies at Ferguson’s door.  Once the manager of the biggest and best squad in the country, Sir Alex has taken his eye off the ball.  He wanted to go last season, perhaps he should have done. United are still a danger to Arsenal, but the squad no longer inspires fear. Where once he had Sheringham and Solskjaer amongst others to come on and change a game, now he has Forlan and Chadwick.  Bar some sensational transfer window signings, quick acclimatisation for these players, and a full squad to choose from here to May, United will not mount a concerted challenge.

As for Liverpool, their strengths and weaknesses are pretty well documented: Excellent defensive organization and discipline and a deep lying structure designed to spring Michael Owen.  On the weakness side, a lack of creativity and no genuine width. That said, this style brought 80 points last season and despite an apparently shaky start to the season, they lie only two points behind the marauding Gunners. Take into account that they are second top scorers this season, Michael Owen has reminded us just how good he is, and that they have only lost once in 25 Premiership matches, and we surely have a key contender.

Can they topple Arsenal? Well I doubt it.  Can they push them? Yes, if only because they have a squad bigger and better than any other bar Arsenal’s.  United’s lack of depth will doubtless hurt them in the long run in, so Liverpool will most likely reprise their performance of last season.

But another note of caution for Arsenal fans. Arsenal are playing their most convincing football ever – but can they get any better? Man United and Liverpool are plodding in comparison, but one or other is sure to improve.  The key questions as the season unfolds are whether they can improve enough to make inroads and whether Arsenal’s level of performance will decline enough to open the door.